This time last year I signed myself up for the challenge of a life time, so I think its about time I started blogging about it…
In three weeks time I will be half way up a mountain in Peru on a tough 5 day trek to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu to raise money for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital. I will be trekking along steep trails through cloud forest, green valleys and pastures with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks before reaching the stunning 'lost city of the Incas.’
It sounds amazing and I can’t wait to don my walking boots and get started, but I am a tad apprehensive of the fact that I will be trekking for almost a week without the use of a flushing toilet or hot running water! For those of you who know me well know that I don't do camping and that I don’t go anywhere without a hairdryer, hair straightners or makeup! Which is probably why, when I went to the shops earlier to buy a sleeping bag and some waterproof trousers I somehow managed to buy a dress, cardigan and handbag…not a good start.
I will have nothing but bushes and the great outdoors to use as a toilet (im definitely going to invest in a ‘SheWee’) and my poor boyfriend Lewis will no doubt have to carry my bag at some point and put up with my whinging! I don’t think I am ready for this trek. I am not a natural trekker. I have never really embraced the walking thing. I usually get from A to B in a car (even if its 5 minutes down the road). When I do try to walk somewhere I get bored and impatient and my feet start to hurt. I sit down and hope that someone will send a helicopter. I’m quite an outgoing person, but this trip really will test my whole being to the very limit (and most likely Lewis’ patience). My mum doesn't think I will be able to do it, so I'm going to Peru-ve to her (and myself) that I can!
So why I am putting myself through this? Trust me I’m wondering the same thing! I guess the answer would be because I have got to a stage where I’m not quite sure what direction to take in life, especially now that I have finished university and entered the 'real' world. As the old cliché goes, I suppose this trip will help me to ‘find’ myself. Not only do I want to do something worthwhile with my life, but I also want to make a positive difference to somebody else's life! So far I have raised almost £2,200 for Great Ormond Street, but I still need another £800 to reach my target of £3000, so get sponsoring! (www.justgiving.com/Claudia-Barker).
Although I will be tired, smelly and unwashed, I hope to make it Machu Picchu in one piece! Wish me luck and watch this space...
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